Democrat Eric Moye's nearly eight years as judge of the Dallas' 14th Civil District Court have helped him deliver on what successful courtrooms should provide: a venue for justice where participants are treated fairly.

We recommend him over newcomer Republican Barry Johnson because his superior bench experience makes him much more qualified to serve.

(G.J. McCarthy/Staff Photographer)

Moye, 62, runs an efficient court and has a record as a solid, no-nonsense judge. His courtroom consistently has a low number of active cases.

He's attempted to modernize his court by implementing a telephone docket that permits attorneys to make conference calls on trivial matters to save time and money.

For years, Moye's bar polls have indicated higher-than-usual "needs improvement" ratings regarding temperament, and that gives us pause. He offers a reasonable explanation: He runs a come-prepared-or-be-prepared-to-be-challenged court. And it's clear that all lawyers are on a level playing field. Still, we urge him to reconsider where strictness may morph into intemperance or intimidation.

That said, Johnson, 60, failed to make a case for why he'd be a better judge than Moye.

Barry Johnson

(Courtesy)

He assailed Moye's temperament but offered no specific example of overreach. He acknowledged that he's never been in Moye's court and only met him just recently.

He's rarely practiced law in Dallas County, isn't a member of the Dallas Bar Association and couldn't name a single supporter to his campaign.

He said he filed for the office the day before the deadline and at 60, just figured it was time to be a judge somewhere.

Folks who find themselves with civil matters before this court deserve more dedication and commitment than that.